By Doris Obinna
Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), will host National Policy Dialogue titled: “Improving Adolescent Access to Quality Sexual and Reproductive Health Services,” on July 3, 2025, in Abuja.
NHW explained that Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) are widely recognised as essential human rights and a cornerstone of public health: “Yet, across Nigeria particularly in rural and marginalised communities adolescents continue to face daunting barriers in accessing vital information, services, and care.
“Recent statistics reveal a concerning state of adolescent health: Nigeria’s adolescent fertility rate stands at 117 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19, while the modern contraceptive prevalence rate among sexually active, unmarried girls in the same age group is just 7.8 per cent.
“These figures underscore deep gaps in access to family planning, comprehensive sexuality education, and youth-friendly healthcare services. Studies show that nearly half of adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Nigeria are sexually active, yet many lack the resources necessary to protect themselves resulting in a high incidence of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and an increasing burden of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
“The dialogue seeks to address these challenges by providing a platform for government officials, youth representatives, civil society organisations, health professionals, development partners, and private sector actors to forge a shared path forward.
“Young people will be central to the conversations not just as recipients of services, but as active participants in shaping solutions grounded in their realities.”
Managing Director, NHW, Vivianne Ihekweazu, said: “To deliver on Nigeria’s FP2030 commitments, we must invest in services that address their realities and protect their rights. This dialogue is a critical step toward identifying the gaps, building consensus, and accelerating action.”
Panel discussions will centre on strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration and tailoring SRHR services to better serve adolescents. These conversations are expected to produce practical policy recommendations, spotlight innovative practices, and result in actionable commitments aimed at advancing adolescent health equity.
Speakers will include representatives from the Federal Ministries of Health, Education, Youth Development and Women Affairs, alongside leaders from organisations such as Organon, Youth Hub Africa, Gender Mobile Initiative, and EngenderHealth Nigeria.